Display apparatus with black matrix

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus includes a display panel in which a display area to display an image and a non-display area adjacent to the display area are defined, and in which a central area and a peripheral area in a periphery of the central area are defined in the display area, a touch sensor on the display panel, the touch sensor including a touch electrode layer, and a black matrix on the display panel. The black matrix includes a first black matrix in the central area and a second black matrix in the peripheral area. The second black matrix is on layer of the display panel that is higher than the first black matrix.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/263,399, filed Jan. 31, 2019, which claims priority to and thebenefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0014229, filed Feb. 5,2018, the entire content of both of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

Embodiments relate to a display apparatus, and more particularly, to anorganic light emitting display apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various display apparatuses, which are used in a multi-media device suchas a television, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a navigator, or agame player, are being developed. The display apparatus may be one ofvarious display panels such as a liquid crystal display panel andorganic light emitting display panel.

The optical characteristics of light emitted from the organic lightemitting display panel may be defined in various ways andrepresentatively as a viewing angle luminance ratio and a viewing anglechrominance. The viewing angle luminance ratio is a luminance ofinclined emission light to a luminance of front emission light. Inaddition, the viewing angle chrominance may be defined as a colordifference due to an optical path difference according to a viewingangle.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are directed to a display apparatus including a displaypanel in which a display area configured to display an image and anon-display area adjacent to the display area are defined, and in whicha central area and a peripheral area in a periphery of the central areaare defined in the display area, a touch sensor on the display panel,the touch sensor including a touch electrode layer, and a black matrixon the display panel. The black matrix includes a first black matrix inthe central area and a second black in the peripheral area. The secondblack matrix is on layer of the display panel that is higher than thefirst black matrix.

The touch electrode layer may include a first touch electrode layer inthe central area and a second touch electrode layer in the peripheralarea. The first black matrix maybe under the first touch electrodelayer. The second black matrix may be over the second touch electrodelayer.

The touch electrode layer may include a first touch electrode layer inthe central area and a second touch electrode layer in the peripheralarea. The first touch electrode layer may include a first lower touchelectrode layer and a first upper touch electrode layer on the firstlower touch electrode layer. The second touch electrode layer mayinclude a second lower touch electrode layer and a second upper touchelectrode layer on the second lower touch electrode layer.

The first black matrix may be under the first lower touch electrodelayer and the first upper touch electrode layer. The second black matrixmay be over the second lower touch electrode layer and the second uppertouch electrode layer.

The first black matrix may be under the first lower touch electrodelayer and the first upper touch electrode layer. The second black matrixmay be between the second lower touch electrode layer and the secondupper touch electrode layer.

The first black matrix may be between the first lower touch electrodelayer and the first upper touch electrode layer. The second black matrixis over the second lower touch electrode layer and the second uppertouch electrode layer.

The display apparatus may include a polarization layer over the touchsensor and the black matrix.

The display panel may include a base layer, a display element on thebase layer and in the display area, and configured to display the image,and an encapsulation layer that encapsulates the display element.

The display element may be provided in plurality. The black matrix mayoverlap an area between the plurality of display elements.

The encapsulation layer may include an encapsulation organic layer thatcovers the display area. The encapsulation organic layer may have afirst thickness in the central area a second thickness thinner than thefirst thickness in the peripheral area.

The encapsulation organic layer may include an acryl-based monomer.

The peripheral area may be on a plane and may enclose the central area.

The peripheral area may include a first peripheral area and a secondperipheral area in a periphery of the first peripheral area. The blackmatrix may further include a third black matrix in the second peripheralarea. The second black matrix may be in the first peripheral area. Thethird black matrix may be on a higher layer than the second blackmatrix.

The touch electrode layer may include a first touch electrode layer inthe central area, a second touch electrode layer in the first peripheralarea, and a third touch electrode layer in the second peripheral area.The first touch electrode layer may include a first lower touchelectrode layer and a first upper touch electrode layer on the firstlower touch electrode layer. The second touch electrode layer mayinclude a second lower touch electrode layer and a second upper touchelectrode layer on the second lower touch electrode layer. The thirdtouch electrode layer may include a third lower touch electrode layerand a third upper touch electrode layer on the third lower touchelectrode layer.

The first black matrix may be under the first lower touch electrodelayer and the first upper touch electrode layer. The second black matrixmay be between the second lower touch electrode layer and the secondupper touch electrode layer. The third black matrix may be over thethird lower touch electrode layer and the third upper touch electrodelayer.

Embodiments are also directed to a display apparatus including a displaypanel in which a display area configured to display an image and anon-display area adjacent to the display area are defined. A centralarea and a peripheral area in a periphery of the central area may bedefined in the display area. The display apparatus further includes atouch sensor on the display panel, the touch sensor including a touchelectrode layer and a black matrix on the display panel. The blackmatrix may include a first black matrix in the central area and a secondblack matrix in the peripheral area. The touch electrode layer mayinclude a first touch electrode layer in the central area and a secondtouch electrode layer in the peripheral area. The first black matrix maybe under the first touch electrode layer, and the second black matrixmay be over the second touch electrode layer.

The display panel may include a base layer, a display element on thebase layer and in the display area, the display element being configuredto display the image, and an encapsulation layer including anencapsulation organic layer that encapsulates the display element andcovers the display area. The encapsulation organic layer may have afirst thickness in the central area, and a second thickness smaller thanthe first thickness in the peripheral area.

Embodiments are also directed to a display apparatus including a displaypanel in which a display area configured to display an image and anon-display area adjacent to the display area are defined, and in whicha central area and a peripheral area in a periphery of the central areaare defined in the display area, a touch sensor on the display panel,the touch sensor including a touch electrode layer, and a black matrixdisposed on the display panel. The touch electrode layer includes afirst touch electrode layer in the central area and a second touchelectrode layer in the peripheral area. The first touch electrode layeris on a layer that is higher than the second touch electrode layer.

The first touch electrode layer may include a first lower touchelectrode layer and a first upper touch electrode layer on the firstlower touch electrode layer. The second touch electrode layer mayinclude a second lower touch electrode layer and a second upper touchelectrode layer on the second lower touch electrode layer. The firstlower touch electrode layer may be on an upper layer than that of thesecond lower touch electrode layer.

The black matrix may include a first black matrix in the central areaand a second black matrix in the peripheral area. The first lower touchelectrode layer may be over the first black matrix, and the second touchelectrode layer may be under the second black matrix.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features will become apparent to those of skill in the art by describingin detail exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a display apparatus accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display module accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a plane view of a display panel according to anembodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixel according toan embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the display panelaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view illustrating a touch panel of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along a line I-I′ of FIG.6 ;

FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view depicting a display module according toan embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along a line I-I′ of FIG.8 ;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view depicting an encapsulationlayer taken along a line I-I′ of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display modulecorresponding to a central area of FIG. 8 in an embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display modulecorresponding to a peripheral area of FIG. 8 in an embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display modulecorresponding to a central area of FIG. 8 in another embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display modulecorresponding to a peripheral area of FIG. 8 in another embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display modulecorresponding to the peripheral area of FIG. 8 in another embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display modulecorresponding to the peripheral area of FIG. 8 in another embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a plan view illustrating a display module accordingto another embodiment; and

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along a line I-I′ of FIG.17 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied indifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey exemplary implementations to those skilled in the art.

In the drawing figures, the dimensions of layers and regions may beexaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will also be understood thatwhen a layer or element is referred to as being “on” another layer orsubstrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, orintervening layers may also be present. Further, it will be understoodthat when a layer is referred to as being “under” another layer, it canbe directly under, and one or more intervening layers may also bepresent. In addition, it will also be understood that when a layer isreferred to as being “between” two layers, it can be the only layerbetween the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may also bepresent. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Terms such as first, second, and the like may be used to describevarious components, but these components should not be limited by theterms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing onecomponent from another component. For instance, a first component may bereferred to as a second component, or similarly, a second component maybe referred to as a first component, without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. The singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

In addition, the terms such as “under”, “lower”, “on”, and “upper” areused for explaining associations of items illustrated in the drawings.It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended toencompass different orientations of the device in use or operation inaddition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or“including”, when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components orcombinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition ofone or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a display apparatus 1000according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of adisplay module DM of FIG. 1 .

The display apparatus 1000 in the embodiment may be applied not only toa large electronic device such as a television or a monitor, but also toa small or medium electronic device such as a tablet, a vehiclenavigator, a game player, or a smart watch.

In relation to FIG. 1 , the display apparatus 1000 may include thedisplay modules DM, a window member WM, and a housing member HM.

A display surface IS on which an image IM is displayed in the displaymodule DM may be parallel to a surface defined by a first directionalaxis DR1 and a second directional axis DR2. The normal direction of thedisplay surface IS, namely, a thickness direction of the display moduleDM indicates a third directional axis DR3. A front surface (or topsurface) and a rear surface (or bottom surface) of each member aredistinguished by the third directional axis DR3. However, directionsindicated by the first to third directional axis DR1, DR2, and DR3 are arelative concept and may be changed to other directions. Hereinafter,the first to third directions are directions respectively indicated bythe first to third directional axes (DR1, DR2, and DR3) and will bereferred by the same reference numerals.

In some implementations, the display module DM may be a flat rigiddisplay module. In some implementations, the display module DM accordingto an embodiment may be flexible.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the display module DM may include a displayarea DM-DA on which the image IM is displayed and a non-display areaDM-NDA adjacent to the display area DM-DA. The non-display area DM-NDAis an area on which the image is not displayed. In FIG. 1 , as anexample of the image IM, a vase is illustrated. The shapes of thedisplay area DM-DA and non-display area DM-NDA may be relativelydesigned. As an example, the display area DM-DA may have a rectangularshape, and the non-display area NDAO may enclose the display area DM-DA.

The window member WM may be disposed on the display module DM. Thewindow member WM may protect the display module DM. The window member WMmay be combined with the housing member HM to form an internal space.The window member WM and housing member HM may define the appearance ofthe display apparatus 1000.

The window member WM may be divided into a transmission area TA and abezel area BA. The transmission area TA may transmit most of inputlight. The transmission area TA may have optical transparency. Thetransmission area TA may have an optical transmittance of about 90% ormore. The transmission area TA may correspond to the display area DM-DAof the display module DM.

The bezel area BA may block most of input light. The bezel area BA mayhelp prevent components disposed in a lower part of the window member WMfrom being viewed from the outside. The bezel area BA may also reducereflection of light input from outside of the window member WM. Thebezel area BA may correspond to the non-display area DM-NDA of thedisplay module DM.

The bezel area BA may be adjacent to the transmission area TA. The shapeof the transmission area TA on a planarized surface may be defined bythe bezel area BA.

The housing member HM may provide a prescribed internal space. Thedisplay module DM may be accommodated in the internal space. Besides thedisplay module DM, various electronic parts such as a power supply unit,a storage device, an acoustic input/output module, or a camera may bemounted in the internal space of the housing member HM.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display module DMaccording to an embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section definedby the first directional axis DR1 and the third directional axis DR3.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the display module DM may include a displaypanel DP, a touch sensor TS (or touch sensing layer), and a black matrixlayer BML. The display module DM according to an embodiment may furtherinclude a protection member disposed in the lower surface.

The display panel DP may be a light emitting type display panel. Asexamples, the display panel DP may be an organic light emitting displaypanel or a quantum dot light emitting display panel. A light emittinglayer of the organic light emitting display panel may include an organiclight emitting material. A light emitting layer of the quantum dot lightemitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods.Hereinafter, the display panel DP will be described as the organic lightemitting display panel.

The display panel DP may include a base layer SUB, a circuit elementlayer DP-CL disposed on the base layer SUB, a display element layerDP-OLED, and an encapsulation layer TFE. The display panel DP mayfurther include functional layers such as a refractive index adjustmentlayer.

The base layer SUB may include at least one plastic film. The base layerSUB may include, a plastic substrate as a flexible substrate, a glasssubstrate, a metal substrate, or an organic/inorganic composite materialsubstrate, etc. The display area DM-DA and non-display area DM-NDAdescribed in relation to FIG. 1 may be identically defined for the baselayer SUB.

The circuit element layer DP-CL may include at least one intermediateinsulation layer and a circuit element. The intermediate insulationlayer may include at least one intermediate inorganic layer and at leastone intermediate organic layer. The circuit element may include signallines and a driving circuit of a pixel, etc. A detailed descriptionthereof will be as follows.

The display element layer DP-OLED may include organic light emittingdiodes. The display element layer DP-OLED may further include an organiclayer such as a pixel definition layer.

The encapsulation layer TFE may encapsulate the display element layerDP-OLED. The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one inorganiclayer (hereinafter, encapsulation inorganic layer). The encapsulationlayer TFE may further include at least one organic layer (hereinafter,encapsulation organic layer). The encapsulation inorganic layer may helpto protect the display element layer DP-OLED from moisture/oxygen, andthe encapsulation organic layer may help to protect the display elementlayer DP-OLED from a foreign material such as a dust particle. Theencapsulation inorganic layer may include a silicon nitride layer, asilicon oxynitride layer, and a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxidelayer, or an aluminum oxide layer, etc. The encapsulation organic layermay include an acrylic-based inorganic layer, as an example.

The touch sensor TS acquires coordinate information of an externalinput. The touch sensor TS may be disposed on the encapsulation layerTFE. The touch sensor TS may be directly disposed on the encapsulationlayer TFE. Being “directly disposed” in the specification excludes beingattached using a separate adhesive layer, and means being disposed by acontinuous process. However, the inventive concept is not limitedthereto, and the touch sensor TS may be attached onto the encapsulationlayer TFE using a bonding layer.

The touch sensor TS may have a multi-layered structure. The touch sensorTS may include a conductive layer of a single layer or multiple layers.The touch sensor TS may include an insulation layer having a singlelayer or having multiple layers.

The touch sensor TS may have a suitable operational manner. The touchsensor TS may sense an external input in, for example, a capacitivemanner. In some implementations, the touch sensor TS may sense anexternal input in a electromagnetic inductive manner or pressure sensingmanner.

The black matrix layer BML may be disposed on the encapsulation layerTFE. The black matrix layer BML may include a plurality of blackmatrices. The black matrix may enhance a sense of color and may absorbexternal light to prevent reflection in the periphery.

The black matrix may be disposed under the touch electrode layer of thetouch sensor TS in a part of the display module DM. The black matrix maybe disposed over the touch electrode layer of the touch sensor TS inanother part of the display module DM. A detailed description thereofwill be provided below.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view of the display panel DP according to anembodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates an equivalent circuit diagram of a pixelPX according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates an enlargedcross-sectional view of the display panel DP according to an embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the display panel DP may include the displayarea DA and the non-display area NDA on the planarized surface. Thenon-display area NDA in the embodiment may be defined according to thebezel of the display area DA. The display area DA and the non-displayarea NDA of the display panel DP may respectively correspond to thedisplay area DM-DA and the non-display area DM-NDA of the display moduleDM illustrated in FIG. 1 . The display area DA and the non-display areaNDA of the display panel DP may not necessarily identical to the displayarea DM-DA and the non-display area DM-NDA of the display module DM, andmay be modified according to the structure/design of the display panelDP.

The display panel DP includes a plurality of pixels. The plurality ofpixels may be disposed in the display area DA. Each of the pixels PX mayinclude an inorganic light emitting diode and a pixel driving circuitconnected thereto.

The display panel DP may include a plurality of signal lines and a padunit PD. The plurality of signal lines may include gate lines GL, datalines DL, light emission lines EL, a control signal line SL-D, aninitialization voltage line SL-Vint, a voltage line SL-VDD, and a powersupply line E-VSS. The plurality of signal lines and the pad unit PD maybe included in the circuit element layer DP-CL illustrated in FIG. 2 .

A part of the gate lines GL, the data lines DL, the light emission linesEL, the control signal line SL-D, the initialization voltage lineSL-Vint, the voltage line SL-VDD, and the power supply line E-VSS may bedisposed on a same layer and another part thereof may be disposed ondifferent layers.

The gate lines GL may be respectively connected to corresponding pixelsPX from among the plurality number of pixels PX. The data lines DL maybe respectively connected to corresponding pixels PX from among theplurality number of pixels PX. The light emission lines EL may berespectively arranged in parallel to the corresponding gate lines fromamong the plurality of gate lines GL. The control signal line SL-D mayprovide control signals to a gate driving circuit GDC. Theinitialization voltage line SL-Vint may provide an initializationvoltage to the plurality of pixels PX. The voltage line SL-VDD may beconnected to the plurality of pixels PX, and provide a first voltagethereto. The voltage line SL-VDD may include a plurality of linesextending in the first direction DR1 and a plurality of lines extendingin the second direction DR2. The power supply line E-VSS may be disposedto enclose three sides of the display area DA in the non-display areaNDA. The power supply line E-VSS may provide a common voltage (e.g. asecond voltage) to the plurality of pixels PX. The common voltage mayhave a lower level than the first voltage.

The display panel DP may further include the gate driving circuit GDC.The gate driving circuit GDC may be disposed at one side of thenon-display area NDA to be connected to the gate lines GL and the lightemission lines EL. The gate driving circuit GDC may be included in thecircuit element layer DP-CL illustrated in FIG. 2 . The gate drivingcircuit GDC may include a plurality of thin-film transistors formedthrough a same process as that of the driving circuit of the pluralityof pixels, for example, a Low Temperature Polycrystalline Silicon (LTPS)process or a Low Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide (LTPO) process.

The pad unit PD may include a plurality of pads. A part of the pad unitPD may be connected to the terminals of the data lines DL, controlsignal line SL-D, initialization voltage line SL-Vint, and voltage lineSL-VDD. The other part of the pad PD may be connected to touch signallines of the touch sensor unit TS.

The display panel DP may further include a bank disposed between thedisplay area DA and the pad unit PD. The display panel DP may furtherinclude a dam unit enclosing the bezel of the display area DA. The bankand the dam unit may help to prevent a specific layer from overflowingoutside the bank or dam unit, when the specific layer is formed byprinting at the time of forming the display panel DP.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates a pixel PX connected to any one gate lineGL, any one data line DL and a power line PL. The configuration of thepixel PX may be modified.

The organic light emitting diode OLED may be a front light emitting typediode or rear light emitting type diode. The pixel PX may include afirst transistor TR1 (or switching transistor), a second transistor TR2(or driving transistor), and a capacitor Cst as a pixel driving circuitfor driving the organic light emitting diode OLED. A first power supplyvoltage ELVDD may be provided to the second transistor TR2, and a secondpower supply voltage ELVSS may be provided to the organic light emittingdiode OLED. The second power supply voltage ELVSS may be lower than thefirst power supply voltage ELVDD.

The first transistor may output a data signal to be applied to the dataline in response to a scan signal applied to the gate line GL. Thecapacitor Cst may charge a voltage corresponding to the data signalreceived from the first transistor TR1.

The second transistor TR2 may be connected to the organic light emittingdiode OLED. The second transistor TR2 may control a driving currentflowing through the organic light emitting diode OLED in correspondenceto a charge amount stored in the capacitor Cst. The organic lightemitting diode OLED may emit light during a turn-on period of the secondtransistor TR2.

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial cross-section of the display panel DP incorrespondence to the equivalent circuit illustrated in FIG. 4 . Asshown in FIG. 5 , a circuit element layer DP-CL, a display element layerDP-OLED, and the encapsulation layer TFE may be sequentially disposed onthe base layer SUB.

The circuit element layer DP-CL may include at least one inorganiclayer, at least one organic layer and a circuit element. The circuitelement layer DP-CL may include a buffer layer BFL that is an inorganiclayer, a first intermediate inorganic layer 10 and a second intermediateinorganic layer 20, and an intermediate organic layer 30 that is anorganic layer.

The inorganic layers may include silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride,and silicon oxide, etc. The organic layer may include at least one amongan acrylic-based resin, a methacrylic-based resin, polyisoprene, avinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, acellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyimide-based resin,a polyamide-base resin and a perylene-based resin. The circuit elementmay include conductive patterns and/or semiconductor patterns.

The buffer layer BFL may improve coherence between the base layer SUBand the conductive patterns or semiconductor patterns. Although notshown separately, a barrier layer configured to prevent an influx of aforeign material may be further disposed on the top surface of the baselayer SUB. The buffer layer BFL and the barrier layer may be selectivelydisposed or omitted.

A semiconductor pattern OSP1 (hereinafter, first semiconductor pattern)of the first transistor TR1 and a semiconductor pattern OSP2(hereinafter, second semiconductor pattern) of the second transistor TR2may be disposed on the buffer layer BFL. The first semiconductor patternOSP1 and the second semiconductor pattern OSP2 may be selected fromamong amorphous silicon, polysilicon and metal oxide semiconductor.

The first intermediate inorganic layer 10 may be disposed on the firstsemiconductor pattern OSP1 and second semiconductor pattern OSP2. Acontrol electrode GE1 (hereinafter, first control electrode) of thefirst transistor TR1 and a control electrode GE2 (hereinafter, secondcontrol electrode) of the second transistor TR2 may be disposed on thefirst intermediate inorganic layer 10. The first control electrode GE1and second control electrode GE2 may be manufactured according to a samephotography process as that of the gate lines GL.

A second intermediate inorganic layer 20 configured to cover the firstcontrol electrode GE1 and the second control electrode GE2 may bedisposed on the first intermediate inorganic layer 10. An inputelectrode DE1 (hereinafter, first input electrode) and output electrodeSE1 (hereinafter, first output electrode) of the first transistor TR1,and an input electrode DE2 (hereinafter, second input electrode) andoutput electrode SE2 (hereinafter, second output electrode) of thesecond transistor TR2 may be disposed on the second intermediateinorganic layer 20.

The first input electrode DE1 and the output electrode SE1 may berespectively connected to the first semiconductor pattern OSP1 through afirst through-hole CH1 and a second through-hole CH2, which pass throughthe first intermediate inorganic layer 10 and the second intermediateinorganic layer 20. The second input electrode DE2 and the outputelectrode SE2 may be respectively connected to the second semiconductorpattern OSP2 through a third through-hole CH3 and fourth through-holeCH4, which pass through the first intermediate inorganic layer 10 andthe second intermediate inorganic layer 20. In some implementations, thefirst transistor TR1 and second transistor TR2 may be modified andimplemented in a bottom-gate structure.

The intermediate organic layer 30 configured to cover the first inputelectrode DE1, the second input electrode DE2, the first outputelectrode SE1, and the second output electrode SE2 may be disposed onthe second intermediate inorganic layer 20. The intermediate organiclayer may provide a planarized surface.

The display element layer DP-OLED may be disposed on the intermediateorganic layer 30. The display element layer DP-OLED may include a pixeldefinition layer PDL and an organic light emitting diode OLED. Like theintermediate organic layer 30, the pixel definition layer PDL mayinclude an organic material. A first electrode AE may be disposed on theintermediate organic layer 30. The first electrode AE may be connectedto the second output electrode SE2 through a fifth through-hole CH5configured to penetrate through the intermediate organic layer 30. Anopening part OP may be defined in the pixel definition layer PDL. Theopening part OP of the pixel definition layer PDL may expose at least apart of the first electrode AE.

The pixel PX may be disposed on a pixel area on a planarized surface.The pixel area may include a light emitting area PXA and a non-lightemission area NPXA adjacent to the light emission area PXA. Thenon-light emission area NPXA may enclose the light emission area PXA.The light emission area PXA in the embodiment may be defined tocorrespond to a partial area of the first electrode AE that is exposedby the opening unit OP.

A hole control layer HCL may be commonly disposed in the light emissionarea PXA and non-light emission area NPXA. A common layer such as thehole control layer HCL may be commonly formed in the plurality of pixelsPX (see FIG. 3 ).

A light emission layer EML may be disposed on the hole control layerHCL. The light emission layer EML may be disposed on an areacorresponding to the opening part OP. The light emission layer EML maybe separately formed in each of the plurality of pixels PX. The lightemission layer EML may include an organic material and/or an inorganicmaterial. In the embodiment, the patterned light emission layer EML isexemplarily illustrated. In some implementations, the light emissionlayer EML may be commonly disposed in the plurality of pixels PX. Here,the light emission layer EML may generate red, green, blue, or whitelight, as examples. The light emission layer EML may have amulti-layered structure.

An electron control layer ECL may be disposed on the light emissionlayer EML. The electron control layer ECL may be commonly formed on theplurality of pixels PX (see FIG. 3 ).

A second electrode CE may be disposed on the electron control layer ECL.The second electrode CE may be commonly disposed in the plurality ofpixels PX.

The encapsulation layer TFE may be disposed on the second electrode CE.The encapsulation layer TFE may be commonly disposed in the plurality ofpixels PX. The encapsulation layer TFE may directly cover the secondelectrode CE.

The encapsulation layer TFE may include at least one encapsulationinorganic layer and at least one encapsulation organic layer. Theencapsulation inorganic layer and encapsulation organic layer may bealternately laminated.

In an embodiment, it is exemplarily illustrated that the encapsulationlayer TFE includes first and second encapsulation inorganic layers IOL1and OIL2, and a first encapsulation organic layer OL1.

The first encapsulation inorganic layer IOL1, the first encapsulationorganic layer OL1, and the second encapsulation inorganic layer IOL2 maybe sequentially laminated on the second electrode CE.

The first encapsulation organic layer OL1 may be formed using an ink-jetprinting scheme, or formed by coating a composition including anacryl-based monomer. The first and second encapsulation inorganic layersIOL1 and IOL2 may have an identical inorganic material or differentinorganic materials. Materials forming the first and secondencapsulation inorganic layers IOL1 and IOL2 may include, for example,silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide, etc.

In an embodiment, a capping layer covering the second electrode CE maybe further disposed between the encapsulation layer TFE and the secondelectrode CE. The encapsulation layer TFE may directly cover the cappinglayer.

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view depicting the touch sensor of FIG. 2 ,and FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along a line I-I′ ofFIG. 6 .

In relation to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the touch sensor TS may include a touchelectrode layer TML and a touch insulation layer TSL. The touchinsulation layer TSL may contact the touch electrode layer TML.

The touch electrode layer TML may include a lower touch electrode layerTML1 and an upper touch electrode layer TML2. The touch insulation layerTSL may include a buffer layer BF and a contact insulation layer TN.

The upper touch electrode TML2 may be disposed on the lower touchelectrode layer TML1.

Each of the lower touch electrode layer TML1 and the upper touchelectrode layer TML2 may have a single-layered structure or a laminatedmulti-layered structure. A conductive layer of the multi-layeredstructure may include at least two among transparent conductive layersand metal layers. The conductive layer of the multi-layered structuremay include metal layers including different metals. The transparentconductive layer may include indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide(IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium tin zinc oxide (ITZO), PEDOT, a metalnanowire, or graphene. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver,titanium, copper, aluminum, and an alloy thereof. For example, each ofthe lower touch electrode layer TML1 and the upper touch electrode layerTML2 may have a three-layered structure of titanium/aluminum/titanium.

The contact insulation layer TN may be disposed between the lower touchelectrode layer TML1 and the upper touch electrode layer TML2. Thebuffer layer BF may be disposed between the encapsulation layer TFE andthe lower touch electrode layer TML1. In some implementations, thebuffer layer BF may be omitted.

The buffer layer BF and the contact insulation layer TN may include aninorganic material. The inorganic material may include silicon nitride,silicon oxynitride and silicon oxide, etc.

The touch sensor TS may further include a first planarized layer PVXdisposed over the upper touch electrode layer TML2. The first planarizedlayer PVX may provide a planarized surface and may include an organicmaterial. The touch sensor TS may further include a second planarizedlayer disposed on the first planarized layer PVX.

As illustrated in FIG. 6 , the touch sensor TS may include first touchelectrodes TE1-1 to TE1-4, first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5connected to the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-4, second touchelectrodes TE2-1 to TE2-5, second touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4connected to the second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-5, and touch padsTS-PD connected to the first touch signal lines SL1-1 to SL1-5 and thesecond touch signal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4.

Each of the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-4 may have a mesh shapein which a plurality of touch opening parts are defined. Although notillustrated in detail, the first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-4 may becovered on the plane with the pixel definition layer (PDL) that has beendescribed in relation to FIG. 5 . Each of the first touch electrodesTE1-1 to TE1-4 may include a plurality of first touch sensor units SP1and a plurality of first connection parts CP1. The first touch sensorunits SP1 may be arranged along a first direction DR1. Each of the firstconnection parts CP1 may connect two adjacent first touch sensors SP1from among the first touch sensors SP1. The first touch signal linesSL1-1 to SL1-5 may also have a mesh shape.

The second touch electrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 may be cross-insulated fromthe first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-4. Each of the second touchelectrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 may have a mesh shape in which a plurality oftouch opening parts are defined. The second touch electrodes TE2-1 toTE2-4 may be covered on the plane with the pixel definition layer (PDL)that has been described in relation to FIG. 5 . Each of the first touchelectrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 may include a plurality of second touchsensors SP2 and a plurality of second connection parts CP2. The secondtouch sensors SP2 may be arranged along a second direction DR2. Each ofthe second connection parts CP2 may connect two adjacent second touchsensors SP2 from among the second touch sensors SP2. The second touchsignal lines SL2-1 to SL2-4 may also have a mesh shape.

The first touch electrodes TE1-1 to TE1-5 and the second touchelectrodes TE2-1 to TE2-4 may be electrostatically coupled. As the touchsensing signals are applied to the first touch electrodes TE1-1 toTE1-5, capacitors may be formed between the first touch sensors SP1 andthe second touch sensors SP2.

The embodiment exemplarily illustrates that the plurality of firstconnection parts CP1 are formed from the lower touch electrode layerTML1, and the plurality of first touch sensors SP1 and the plurality ofsecond connection parts CP2 are formed from the upper touch electrodelayer TML2.

In some implementations, part of the plurality of first touch sensorsSP1, the plurality of first connection parts CP1, the first touch signallines SL1-1 to SL1-5, the plurality of second touch sensors SP2, theplurality of second connection parts CP2, and the second touch signallines SL2-1 to SL2-4 may be formed from the lower touch electrode layerTML1 illustrated in FIG. 7 , and the other part may be formed from theupper touch electrode layer TML2 illustrated in FIG. 7 .

FIG. 8 illustrates a plan view depicting the display module according toan embodiment, FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut along lineI-I′ of FIG. 8 , and FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional viewdepicting the encapsulation layer along the line I-I′ of FIG. 8 .

In relation to FIGS. 8 to 10 , the display area DM-DA and thenon-display area DM-NDA may be defined in the display module DM.Detailed descriptions regarding the display area DM-DA and non-displayarea DM-NDA have been provided in relation to FIG. 1 and thus will notbe repeated.

A central area CTA and a peripheral area PRA may be defined in thedisplay area DM-DA. The peripheral area PRA may be defined in theperiphery of the central area CTA. In an embodiment, the peripheral areaPRA on the plane is illustrated as an area enclosing the central areaCTA. In some implementations, the peripheral area PRA may not enclosethe central area CTA, but may be defined in the periphery of the centralarea CTA.

The first and second encapsulation inorganic layers IOL1 and IOL2 andthe first encapsulation organic layer OL1 of the encapsulation layer TFEmay be disposed to cover the display area DM-DA.

In a process for forming the first encapsulation organic layer OL1, anorganic material may flow down in the peripheral area PRA due to areflow phenomenon of the organic material. In the central area CTA, thethickness of the first encapsulation organic layer OL1 may be largerthan that of the peripheral area PRA.

The central area CTA and the peripheral area PRA may be defined by adifference in thickness of the first encapsulation organic layer OL1. Inthe central area CTA, the thickness of the first encapsulation organiclayer OL1 may be substantially identical. The thickness of the firstencapsulation organic layer OL1 disposed in the peripheral area PRA maybe smaller by at least a preset value than that of the firstencapsulation organic layer OL1 disposed in the central area CTA. Thepreset value may be, for example, 1 μm.

The black matrix BM may include a first black matrix BM1 and a secondblack matrix BM2. The black matrix BM may improve a color sense of adisplayed image and may absorb external light to prevent reflection in aperiphery.

The first black matrix BM1 may be disposed in the central area CTA, andthe second black BM2 may be disposed in the peripheral area PRA. Thefirst and second black matrixes BM1 and BM2 may include an inorganicmaterial as a base material. The first and second black matrixes BM1 andBM2 may include a black pigment or black dye. The first and second blackmatrixes BM1 and BM2 may be formed from an identical material.

The touch electrode layer TML may include a first touch electrode layerTE1 and a second touch electrode layer TE2.

The first touch electrode layer TE1 may be disposed in the central areaCTA, and the second touch electrode layer TE2 may be disposed in theperipheral area PRA. As illustrated in FIG. 9 , each of the first touchelectrode layer TE1 and the second touch electrode layer TE2 may have aconfiguration that includes all of the lower touch electrode layer TML1and the upper touch electrode layer TML2, as were described above inrelation to FIG. 7 . In some implementations, each of the first touchelectrode layer TE1 and the second touch electrode layer TE2 may have aconfiguration referring to any one layer between the lower touchelectrode layer TML1 and the upper touch electrode layer TML2.

The second black matrix BM2 may be disposed on an upper layer incomparison to the first black matrix BM1. The first touch electrodelayer TE1 may be disposed on upper layer higher than the second touchelectrode layer TE2.

In an embodiment, the first black matrix BM1 may be disposed under thefirst touch electrode layer TE1, and the second black matrix BM2 may bedisposed over the second touch electrode layer TE2.

The display module DM may include first to fourth insulation layers 101to 104.

The first insulation layer 101 and the second insulation layer 102 maybe disposed in the central area CTA. The first insulation layer 101 maybe disposed over the first black matrix BM1 to cover the first blackmatrix BM1. The second insulation layer 102 may be disposed over thefirst touch electrode layer TE1 to cover the first touch electrode layerTE1.

The third insulation layer 103 and the fourth insulation layer 104 maybe disposed in the peripheral area PRA. The third insulation layer 103may be disposed over the second touch electrode TE2 to cover the secondtouch electrode layer TE2. The fourth insulation layer 104 may bedisposed on the second black matrix BM2 to cover the second black matrixBM2.

Each of the first to fourth insulation layers 101 to 104 may be in aform of an organic single layer, an inorganic single layer, or amulti-layered structure including an organic layer and an inorganiclayer. At least a part of the first to fourth insulation layers 101 to104 may have different layered structures. Detailed layered structuresof the first to fourth insulation layers 101 to 104 will be described indetail in reference to FIGS. 11 to 16 .

The display module DM may further include a polarization layer POL. Thepolarization layer POL may be disposed on the first and second blackmatrices BM1 and BM2, and on the first and second touch electrode layersTE1 and TE2. The polarization layer POL may help to prevent thereflection of external light. The polarization layer POL may include aquarter-wave plate. A window member WM may be disposed on thepolarization layer POL.

A viewing angle luminance ratio may be defined as the luminance ofprojected light at an inclination angle (e.g. 45°) to the luminance offront projection light (0°). A viewing angle chrominance may be definedas a color difference due to an optical path difference according to aviewing angle. The optical characteristics may be defined to beexcellent when the viewing angle luminance ratio is lower, or when theviewing angle chrominance is higher.

There may be a difference in optical characteristics according to thedifference in thickness of the first encapsulation organic layer OL1 inthe central area CTA and in the the peripheral area PRA of the displaymodule DM. The optical characteristics may be relatively excellent inthe peripheral area PRA in which the thickness of the firstencapsulation organic layer OL1 is relatively small. The opticalcharacteristics may be not as good in the central area CTA in which thethickness of the first encapsulation organic layer OL1 is relativelylarge.

In addition, the optical characteristics of light projected from thedisplay module DM may differ according to the distance between the blackmatrix BM and an organic light emitting diode. When the distance betweenthe black matrix BM and the organic light emitting diode is relativelysmall, the optical characteristics may be relatively excellent. When thedistance between the black matrix BM and the organic light emittingdiode is relatively large, the optical characteristics may not be asgood.

In an embodiment, a difference in optical characteristics of the displaymodule DM due to the difference in thickness of the first encapsulationorganic layer OL1 in the central area CTA and the peripheral area PRAmay be compensated for by changing the positions of the black matrix BMand the touch electrode layer TE in the central area CTA and theperipheral area PRA. Accordingly, display quality of the display moduleDM may be improved. In detail, the thickness of the first encapsulationorganic layer OL1 in the central area CTA may be relatively larger thanthe thickness in the peripheral area PRA. Thus, the first black matrixBM1 may be disposed under the first touch electrode layer TE1 torelatively reduce the distance between the first black matrix BM and theorganic light emitting diode. The thickness of the first encapsulationlayer OL1 in the peripheral area PRA may be relatively smaller than thatin the central area CTA. The second black matrix BM2 may be disposedover the second touch electrode layer TE2 to relatively increase thedistance between the second black matrix BM2 and the organic lightemitting diode. In the display apparatus according to an embodiment, theoptical characteristics of the display module DM may be uniform in thecentral area CTA and peripheral area PRA.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display modulecorresponding to the central area of FIG. 8 in an embodiment, and FIG.12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display modulecorresponding to the peripheral area of FIG. 8 .

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate, for convenience, the display module DM withthe polarization layer POL and the window member WM omitted.

The first and second black matrixes BM1 and BM2 may be disposed tooverlap the non-light emission area NPXA having been described inrelation to FIG. 5 . On the plane, the first touch electrode layer TE1may cover the first black matrix BM1, and the second touch electrodelayer TE2 may be covered with the second black matrix BM2.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first encapsulation layer OL1 mayhave the first thickness T1 in the central area CTA and the secondthickness T2, which is smaller than the first thickness T1, in theperipheral area PRA. The thickness of the first encapsulation layer OL1in the peripheral area PRA may not be constant but may be differentaccording to the position. The average thickness of the firstencapsulation organic layer OL1 in the peripheral area PRA may be thesecond thickness T2.

The first black matrix BM1 may be disposed on and contact the secondencapsulation inorganic layer IOL2. A black matrix insulation layer ONSmay be disposed over the first black matrix BM1. The black matrixinsulation layer ONS may cover the first black matrix BM1. In anembodiment, the black matrix insulation layer ONS may be disposed tooverlap the central area CTA and not to overlap the peripheral area PRA.In some implementations, the black matrix insulation layer ONS mayextend to the peripheral area PRA.

The buffer layer BF may be disposed on the second encapsulationinorganic layer IOL2 and the black matrix insulation layer ONS. Thebuffer layer BF may be disposed in the central area CTA and theperipheral area PRA.

The first touch electrode layer TE1 may include a first upper touchelectrode layer TEU1 and a first lower touch electrode layer TEL1. Thefirst upper touch electrode layer TEU1 may be disposed on the firstlower touch electrode layer TEL1.

The second touch electrode layer TE2 may include a second upper touchelectrode layer TEU2 and a second lower touch electrode layer TEL2. Thesecond upper touch electrode layer TEU2 may be disposed on the secondlower touch electrode layer TEL2.

The first lower touch electrode layer TEL1 and the second lower touchelectrode layer TEL2 may be disposed on the buffer layer BF.

A first contact insulation layer ITN may be disposed between the firstlower touch electrode layer TEL1 and the first touch electrode layerTEU1. The first contact insulation layer ITN may be disposed in thecentral area CTA and may not overlap the peripheral area PRA. The firstcontact insulation layer ITN may be formed from an inorganic material.

A second contact insulation layer OTN may be disposed between the secondlower touch electrode layer TEL2 and the second upper touch electrodelayer TEU2. The second contact insulation layer OTN may be disposed inthe peripheral area PRA and may not overlap the central area CTA. Thesecond contact insulation layer OTN may be formed from an organicmaterial.

The first contact insulation layer ITN and the second contact insulationlayer OTN form together the contact insulation layer TN that has beendescribed in relation to FIG. 7 . In an embodiment, a material formingthe first contact insulation layer ITN and a material forming the secondcontact insulation layer OTN may be different, and the thicknessesthereof may be controlled differently. Thus, a position at which thesecond black matrix BM2 is disposed may be precisely controlled in adirection perpendicular to the base layer SUB.

In some implementations, any one of the first contact insulation layerITN and the second contact insulation layer OTN may be omitted. When thefirst contact insulation layer ITN is omitted, the second insulationlayer OTN may be formed to overlap all the central area CTA and theperipheral area PRA, and may be disposed between the first lower touchelectrode layer TEL1 and the first upper touch electrode layer TEU1 andbetween the second lower touch electrode layer TEL2 and the second uppertouch electrode layer TEU2. Similarly, when the second contactinsulation layer OTN is omitted, the first contact insulation layer ITNmay be formed to overlap all of the central area CTA and the peripheralarea PRA, and may be disposed between the first lower touch electrodelayer TEL1 and the first upper touch electrode layer TEU1 and betweenthe second lower touch electrode layer TEL2 and the second upper touchelectrode layer TEU2. The position at which the second black matrix BM2is disposed may be controlled using one remaining layer between thefirst contact insulation layer ITN and the second contact insulationlayer OTN in a direction perpendicular to the base area SUB.

A first planarized layer PVX may be disposed on the first upper touchelectrode layer TEU1 and the second upper touch electrode layer TEU2.The first planarized layer PVX may be formed from an organic material toprovide a planarized surface thereon. The first planarized layer PVX maybe disposed in the central area CTA and the peripheral area PRA.

The second black matrix BM2 may be disposed on the first planarizedlayer PVX.

A second planarized layer OC may be disposed over the first planarizedlayer PVX and the second black matrix BM2. The first planarized layerPVX and the second planarized layer OC may contact the second blackmatrix BM2. The second planarized layer OC may be disposed in thecentral area CTA and the peripheral area PRA.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display modulecorresponding to the central area of FIG. 8 in an embodiment, and FIG.14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display modulecorresponding to the peripheral area of FIG. 8 in another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a first black matrix BM1-1 and a first touchmetal layer TE1-1 may be disposed in the central area CTA. The firsttouch metal layer TE1-1 may include a first upper touch metal layerTEU-1 and a first lower touch metal layer TEL1-1.

In an embodiment, the central area CTA illustrated in FIG. 13 may have asubstantially identical structure to the central area CTA of theembodiment that has been described in relation to FIG. 11 . Accordingly,a detailed description about FIG. 13 will not be repeated and willfollows the description of FIG. 11 .

Referring to FIG. 14 , a second black matrix BM2-1 and a second touchmetal layer TE2-1 may be disposed in the peripheral area PRA. The secondtouch metal layer TE2-1 may include a second upper touch metal layerTEU2-1 and a second lower touch metal layer TEL2-1.

In an embodiment, in comparison with the peripheral area PRA of theembodiment, which has been described in relation to FIG. 12 , theperipheral area PRA illustrated in FIG. 14 may differ with respect topositions of the second black matrix BM2-1 and the second upper touchmetal layer TEU2-1, and may be substantially identical thereto inremaining areas. Accordingly, differences between the peripheral areaPRA of FIG. 14 and that of FIG. 12 will mainly be described, and adescription regarding substantially identical configurations will not berepeated.

The second black matrix BM2-1 may be disposed on the second contactinsulation layer OTN. The second black matrix BM2-1 may contact thesecond contact insulation layer OTN. The second black matrix BM2-1 maybe disposed between the second lower touch electrode layer TEL2-1 andthe second upper touch electrode layer TEU2-1.

The second upper touch electrode layer TEU2-1 may be disposed on thesecond black matrix BM2-1 and may contact the second black matrix BM2-1.

The first planarized layer PVX may be disposed on the first upper touchelectrode layer TEU1 and the second upper touch electrode layer TEU2.The first planarized layer PVX may contact the second black matrixBM2-1.

In the embodiment having been described in relation to FIGS. 13 and 14 ,the second black matrix BM2-1 may be disposed on an upper layer higherthan that of the first black matrix BM1-1. When considering a differencein thickness of the first encapsulation layer OL1 in the central areaCTA and in the peripheral area PRA, the first and second black matrixesBM1-1 and BM2-1 may be disposed at the substantially same position in adirection perpendicular to the base layer SUB.

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the display modulecorresponding to the central area of FIG. 8 according to an embodiment,and FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a display modulecorresponding to the peripheral area of FIG. 8 according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15 , a first black matrix BM1-2 and a first touchmetal layer TE1-2 may be disposed in the central area CTA. The firsttouch metal layer TE1-2 may include a first upper touch metal layerTEU-2 and a first lower touch metal layer TEL1-2.

The central area CTA illustrated in FIG. 15 may have a substantiallysimilar structure to the peripheral area PRA of the embodiment that hasbeen described in relation to FIG. 14 . The first black matrix BM1-2 ofFIG. 15 may be disposed on the same layer as the second black matrixBM2-1 of FIG. 14 . The first upper touch metal layer TEU1-2 and thefirst upper touch metal layer TEL1-2 of FIG. 15 may be respectivelydisposed on the same layers as the second upper touch metal layer TEU2-1and the second lower touch metal layer TEL2-1.

Referring to FIG. 16 , a second black matrix BM2-2 and a second touchmetal layer TE2-2 may be disposed in the peripheral area PRA. The secondtouch metal layer TE2-2 may include a second upper touch metal layerTEU2-2 and a second lower touch metal layer TEL2-2.

The peripheral area PRA illustrated in FIG. 16 may have a substantiallysimilar structure to that of the embodiment described in relation toFIG. 12 . The second black matrix BM2-2 of FIG. 16 may be disposed onthe same layer as that of the second black matrix BM2 of FIG. 12 . Thesecond upper touch metal layer TEU2-2 and the second lower touch metallayer TEL2-2 of FIG. 16 may be respectively disposed on the same layersas the second upper touch metal layer TEU2 and the second lower touchmetal layer TEL2 of FIG. 12 .

In the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 15 and 16 , the secondblack matrix BM2-2 may be disposed on an upper layer higher than that ofthe first black matrix BM1-2. When considering a difference in thicknessof the first encapsulation layer OL1 in the central area CTA and theperipheral area PRA, the first and second black matrixes BM1-2 and BM2-2may be disposed at the substantially same position in a directionperpendicular to the base layer SUB.

FIG. 17 illustrates a plan view depicting a display module according toan embodiment, and FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view cut alongline I-I′ of FIG. 17 .

In the display module DM1 illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 , theperipheral area PRA includes a first peripheral area PRA1 and a secondperipheral area PRA2. The structures of the first peripheral area PRA1and the second peripheral area PRA2 are different from each other incomparison with the display module DM that has been described inrelation to FIGS. 8 to 10 .

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18 , a display area DM-DA1 and a non-displayarea DM-NDA may be defined in the display module DM1. The central areaCTA and the peripheral area PRA may be defined in the display areaDM-DA1. The peripheral area PRA may be defined in the periphery of thecentral area CTA. The peripheral area PRA may include a first peripheralarea PRA1 and a second peripheral area PRA2. The second peripheral areaPRA2 may be defined as being in the periphery of the first peripheralarea PRA1.

In an embodiment, it is illustrated that the peripheral area PRA on theplane encloses the central area CTA, and the second peripheral area PRA2encloses the first peripheral area PRA1. In some implementations, theperipheral area PRA may not enclose the central area CTA, but may bedefined in the periphery of the central area CTA. In addition, thesecond peripheral area PRA2 may be defined in the periphery of the firstperipheral area PRA1.

The first encapsulation organic layer OL1 may have a third thickness T3in the central area CTA. The first encapsulation organic layer OL1 mayhave a fourth thickness T4, which is smaller than the third thicknessT3, in the first peripheral area PRA1. The first encapsulation organiclayer OL1 may have a fifth thickness T5, which is smaller than thefourth thickness T4, in the second peripheral area PRA2. The thicknessof the first encapsulation layer OL1 in the peripheral area PRA may notbe constant but be different according to the position. The averagethickness of the first encapsulation organic layer OL1 in the firstperipheral area PRA1 may be the second thickness T2.

The black matrix BMO may include a first black matrix BM1, a secondblack matrix BM2, and a third black matrix BM3. The black matrix BMO mayimprove a color sense of a displayed image and may absorb external lightto prevent reflection in the periphery.

The first black matrix BM1 may be disposed in the central area CTA, thesecond black BM2 in the first peripheral area PRA1, and the third blackmatrix BM3 in the second peripheral area PRA2. A description of amaterial forming the black matrices BM1, BM2, and BM3 will be follow thedescription in relation to FIG. 9 .

The touch electrode layer TML may include may include a first touchelectrode layer TE11, a second touch electrode layer TE22 and a thirdtouch electrode layer TE33.

The first touch electrode layer TE11 may be disposed in the central areaCTA. The first touch electrode layer TE11 may include a first lowertouch electrode layer TEL11 and a first upper touch electrode layerTEU11. The first upper touch electrode layer TEU11 may be disposed onthe first lower touch electrode layer TEL11.

The second touch electrode layer TE22 may be disposed in the firstperipheral area PRA1. The second touch electrode layer TE22 may includea second lower touch electrode layer TEL22 and a second upper touchelectrode layer TEU22. The second upper touch electrode layer TEU22 maybe disposed on the second lower touch electrode layer TEL22.

The third touch electrode layer TE33 may be disposed in the secondperipheral area PRA2. The third touch electrode layer TE33 may include athird lower touch electrode layer TEL33 and a third upper touchelectrode layer TEU33. The third upper touch electrode layer TEU33 maybe disposed on the third lower touch electrode layer TEL33.

The first black matrix BM11 may be disposed under the first lower touchelectrode layer TEL11 and the first upper touch electrode layer TEU11.The second black matrix BM22 may be disposed between the second lowertouch electrode layer TEL22 and the second upper touch electrode layerTEU22. The second black matrix BM22 may contact the second upper touchelectrode layer TEU22. The third black matrix BM33 may be disposed onthe third lower touch electrode layer TEL33 and the third upper touchelectrode layer TEU33.

The display module DM may include first to eighth insulation layers 201to 208.

The first to third insulation layers 201 to 203 may be disposed in thecentral area CTA. The first insulation layer 201 may be disposed overthe first black matrix BM11 to cover the first black matrix BM11 in thecentral area CTA. The second insulation layer 202 may be disposedbetween the first lower touch electrode layer TEL11 and the first uppertouch electrode layer TEU11.

The fourth and fifth insulation layers 204 and 205 may be disposed inthe peripheral area PRA1. The fourth insulation layer 204 may bedisposed between the second lower touch electrode layer TEL22 and thesecond black matrix BM22. The fifth insulation layer 205 is disposed onthe second black matrix BM22 and on the second upper touch electrodelayer TEU22.

The sixth to eighth insulation layers 206 to 208 may be disposed in thesecond peripheral area PRA2. The sixth insulation layer 206 may bedisposed between the third lower touch electrode layer TEL33 and thethird upper touch electrode layer TEU33. The seventh insulation layer207 may be disposed between the third upper touch electrode layer TEU33and the third black matrix BM33. The eighth insulation layer 208 may bedisposed on the third black matrix BM33.

Each of the first to eighth insulation layers 201 to 208 maybe in a formof an organic single layer, an inorganic single layer, or amulti-layered structure including an organic layer and inorganic layer.At least a part of the first to eighth insulation layers 201 to 208 mayhave different layered structures.

According to the display module DM-1 having been described in relationto FIGS. 17 and 18 , positions of the first to third black matricesBM11, BM22, and BM33 in the central area CTA, the first peripheral areaPRA1, and the second peripheral area PRA2 may be set to be differentfrom each other. Thus, the first to third black matrices BM11, BM22, andBM33 may be disposed at substantially similar positions in the directionperpendicular to the base layer SUB.

By way of summation and review, an organic light emitting display panelmay have different optical characteristics according to a positionwithin a display area. Such different optical characteristics may causea degradation of display quality.

Embodiments provide a display apparatus configured to enhance thedisplay quality of a display module by compensating for the differencein optical characteristics of the display module caused by thedifference in thickness of a first encapsulation organic layer incentral and peripheral areas. A difference in optical characteristics ofthe display module caused by a difference in thickness of the firstencapsulation organic layer in the central and peripheral areas may becompensated for by changing positions of a black matrix and a touchelectrode layer. Accordingly, display quality of the display module maybe improved.

Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specificterms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. In someinstances, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art asof the filing of the present application, features, characteristics,and/or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment maybe used singly or in combination with features, characteristics, and/orelements described in connection with other embodiments unless otherwisespecifically indicated. Accordingly, it will be understood by those ofskill in the art that various changes in form and details may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope thereof as set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display apparatus, comprising: a display panelhaving a display area to display an image and a non-display areaadjacent to the display area, the display area including a central areaand a peripheral area at a periphery of the central area; a touch sensoron the display panel, the touch sensor comprising a touch electrodelayer; and a black matrix on the display panel, wherein the displaypanel comprises a base layer, a plurality of display elements on thebase layer and in the display area, the plurality of display elements todisplay the image, and an encapsulation layer that encapsulates theplurality of display elements, wherein the black matrix comprises afirst black matrix in the central area and a second black matrix in theperipheral area, wherein the second black matrix is at a layer of thedisplay panel that is higher than the first black matrix, and wherein adistance between the first black matrix and the base layer in athickness direction of the display panel is substantially equal to adistance between the second black matrix and the base layer in thethickness direction of the display panel, such that the first blackmatrix and the second black matrix at least partially overlap each otherin a direction that is perpendicular to the thickness direction of thedisplay panel.
 2. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein:the touch electrode layer comprises a first touch electrode layer in thecentral area and a second touch electrode layer in the peripheral area,the first black matrix is under the first touch electrode layer, and thesecond black matrix is over the second touch electrode layer.
 3. Thedisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the touch electrodelayer comprises a first touch electrode layer in the central area and asecond touch electrode layer in the peripheral area, the first touchelectrode layer comprises a first lower touch electrode layer and afirst upper touch electrode layer on the first lower touch electrodelayer, and the second touch electrode layer comprises a second lowertouch electrode layer and a second upper touch electrode layer on thesecond lower touch electrode layer.
 4. The display apparatus as claimedin claim 3, wherein: the first black matrix is under the first lowertouch electrode layer and the first upper touch electrode layer, and thesecond black matrix is over the second lower touch electrode layer andthe second upper touch electrode layer.
 5. The display apparatus asclaimed in claim 3, wherein: the first black matrix is under the firstlower touch electrode layer and the first upper touch electrode layer,and the second black matrix is between the second lower touch electrodelayer and the second upper touch electrode layer.
 6. The displayapparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the first black matrix isbetween the first lower touch electrode layer and the first upper touchelectrode layer, and the second black matrix is over the second lowertouch electrode layer and the second upper touch electrode layer.
 7. Thedisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: apolarization layer over the touch sensor and the black matrix.
 8. Thedisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the black matrixoverlaps an area between the plurality of display elements.
 9. Thedisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the encapsulationlayer comprises an encapsulation organic layer that covers the displayarea, and the encapsulation organic layer has a first thickness in thecentral area and a second thickness less than the first thickness in theperipheral area.
 10. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 9,wherein the encapsulation organic layer comprises an acryl-basedmonomer.
 11. The display apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein theperipheral area is at a plane and is around the central area.
 12. Thedisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the peripheral areaincludes a first peripheral area and a second peripheral area at aperiphery of the first peripheral area, the black matrix furthercomprises a third black matrix in the second peripheral area, the secondblack matrix is in the first peripheral area, and the third black matrixis at a layer that is higher than the second black matrix.
 13. Thedisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein: the touch electrodelayer comprises a first touch electrode layer in the central area, asecond touch electrode layer in the first peripheral area, and a thirdtouch electrode layer in the second peripheral area, the first touchelectrode layer comprises a first lower touch electrode layer and afirst upper touch electrode layer on the first lower touch electrodelayer, the second touch electrode layer comprises a second lower touchelectrode layer and a second upper touch electrode layer on the secondlower touch electrode layer, and the third touch electrode layercomprises a third lower touch electrode layer and a third upper touchelectrode layer on the third lower touch electrode layer.
 14. Thedisplay apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein: the first blackmatrix is under the first lower touch electrode layer and the firstupper touch electrode layer, the second black matrix is between thesecond lower touch electrode layer and the second upper touch electrodelayer, and the third black matrix is over the third lower touchelectrode layer and the third upper touch electrode layer.
 15. A displayapparatus, comprising: a display panel having a display area to displayan image and a non-display area adjacent to the display area, whereinthe display area includes a central area and a peripheral area at aperiphery of the central area; a touch sensor on the display panel, thetouch sensor comprising a touch electrode layer; and a black matrix onthe display panel, wherein the black matrix comprises a first blackmatrix in the central area and a second black matrix in the peripheralarea, wherein the touch electrode layer comprises a first touchelectrode layer in the central area and a second touch electrode layerin the peripheral area, wherein the display panel comprises a baselayer, a plurality of display elements on the base layer and in thedisplay area, the plurality of display elements to display the image,and an encapsulation layer that encapsulates the plurality of displayelements, wherein the first black matrix is under the first touchelectrode layer, and the second black matrix is over the second touchelectrode layer, and wherein a distance between the first black matrixand the base layer in a thickness direction of the display panel issubstantially equal to a distance between the second black matrix andthe base layer in the thickness direction of the display panel, suchthat the first black matrix and the second black matrix at leastpartially overlap each other in a direction that is perpendicular to thethickness direction of the display panel.
 16. The display apparatus asclaimed in claim 15, wherein the encapsulation layer comprises anencapsulation organic layer that encapsulates the plurality of displayelements and covers the display area, and wherein the encapsulationorganic layer has a first thickness in the central area, and a secondthickness less than the first thickness in the peripheral area.